Media Break Ups That Caught Kenyans by Surprise

A collage of popular media celebrities in Kenya
A collage of media celebrities Jalang'o, Victoria Rubadiri, Rashid Abdallah and Lulu Hassan
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Many TV and radio presenters have cultivated relationships with each other that has helped hone their crafts by feeding off each others' strengths to create bonds that sometimes go beyond the airwaves

The success of Radio Citizen's Jambo Kenya which was named the best breakfast show in 2020 was largely contributed by its hosts Inspekta Mwala and Vincent Ateya who have an incredible chemistry on the airwaves. 

Citizen TV's power couple Lulu Hassan and Rashid Abdalla's chemistry has also contributed to the popularity of their Kiswahili news bulletin. 

A file image of a radio station
A file image of a radio station
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However, with Kenya's ever changing media landscape, many of co-anchors/presenters have had to break up, the biggest factor being job transitions. 

The movement of media celebrities across various media houses has resulted in unexpected surprise splits and unpredictable combinations, or if you like - break-ups.. 

Jalang'o and Alex Mwakideu

The bond between the two presenters was arguably the biggest contributor to the rise of Radio Maisha which was named the second most popular breakfast show in 2019, 2 years after the duo left.

Jalang'o left Radio Maisha to join Hot 96 FM co-hosting The Hot Breakfast with Jeff Koinange. He would within barely two yeara leave to rejoin Milele FM which they helped propel to become the 2nd most popular radio station according to statistics released by GeoPoll in May 2020.

After the comedian's exit from Milele FM to Kiss FM over a pay dispute, the two stated that they did not foresee themselves ever working together on radio again

File image of Alex Mwakideu and Jalang'o at Milele FM studios
File image of Alex Mwakideu and Jalang'o at Milele FM studios
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Larry Madowo & Victoria Rubadiri

Many viewers who had the pleasure of watching Larry Madowo and Victoria Rubadiri on NTV would agree that the two had an undeniable working chemistry.

The two were so close that when Madowo announced his exit from the Nation Media Group in 2018, fans begged him not to leave Victoria behind.

Their fun times received a nod from many Kenyans as well as American comedian, actor, and television personality Joel McHale who featured a humorous on-screen moment about their review of a Ugandan film. 

They have both since moved on, with Larry being a BBC correspondent in the US and Rubadiri teaming up with the veteran journalist Jeff Koinange at Citizen TV.

Former NTV anchors Larry Madowo (right) and Victoria Rubadiri at NTV Studios
Former NTV anchors Larry Madowo (right) and Victoria Rubadiri at NTV Studios
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Kanze Dena and Lulu Hassan 

Before Lulu Hassan had the pleasure of hosting Citizen TV's Kiswahili news bulletin with her husband Rashid Abdallah, State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena was her co-host for years.

The two were not only colleagues but bosom friends and the journey of their friendship as explained by Kanze was an unexpected one.

In a January 9, 2018 Parents magazine interview, Kanze disclosed that their friendship began on social media.

On June 10, 2018, Kanze Dena landed her unprecedented State House spokesperson job and in her final broadcast emotionally bid her friend goodbye and was later replaced by Lulu's husband, Rashid Abdallah.

Milele FM Presenter Alex Mwakideu and State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena take a photo at the Milele FM studios on Tuesday, February 18.
Milele FM Presenter Alex Mwakideu and State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena take a photo at the Milele FM studios on Tuesday, February 18.
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Andrew Kibe & Kamene Goro

Radio fans know how important it is for presenters to be on the same level of energy and these two have shown that since their days at NRG Radio to their move to Kiss 100.

Be it political affairs or more taboo matters, the two have proven over time they can chew on anything that pleases their listeners' ears. 

Kamene and Kibe have all fought tough battles together including court cases and emerged victorious.

Kibe has since left Kiss 100 and launched his own YouTube channel, leaving Kamene to curve a new on-air relationship with Jalang'o who joined her in July 2020.

Kibe praised Kamene Goro as a hard-working co-host who was always one of the first people to show up for work. 

Radio presenters Kamene Goro (right) and Andrew Kibe (Left) in the studio on April 28, 2020.
Radio presenters Kamene Goro (right) and Andrew Kibe (Left) in the studio on April 28, 2020.

Shaffie Weru & Kalekye Mumo

Before Kalekye Mumo parted ways with Kiss FM to concentrate more on her PR firm in 2016, she partnered with Shaffie Weru to co-host one of the most popular shows at the time. 

The two had ruled the airwaves for 10 years, cementing a bond that was unbreakable even after Kalekye left.

At her fortieth birthday, Weru bought his 'radio wife' a brand new I-phone 6 plus at an exclusive event that was held at the Villa Rosa Kempinski.

Former Kiss 100 presenters Shaffie Weru and Kalekye Mumo
Former Kiss 100 presenters Shaffie Weru and Kalekye Mumo
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